The One For All URC-6131 (and URC-6131nB00) remote is an inexpensive universal remote control that is compatible with the Hauppauge IR Receiver and that can be programmed through key presses to remap buttons. Joe Votour at The Vulture's Nest has a good explanation of how to do this, as well as two nicely commented lirc configuration files ready for use with MythTV.

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Basic Features

The URC-6131 is a 6-device "universal" remote that comes with preprogrammed codes for many common televisions, VCRs, DVD players, DVRs, and other devices. It is marketed as a remote for DVR use. It features the usual universal remote buttons as well as a few that are DVR-specific -- most notably "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" buttons like those on TiVo remotes.

Because the basic URC-6131 ships with a finite set of codes, use with a MythTV system typically requires you to program the remote for a specific device that's already in the remote's memory, and then configure LIRC to accept that device's codes. Programming additional codes is possible, but only after doing some JP1 hardware hacking.

JP-1 Support

Like other remotes made by UEI (sold under brand names such as One For All and Radio Shack), the URC-6131 can be fitted with a 6-pin connector and EEPROM. A custom cable to connect the remote to a computer then permits programming using a combination of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and custom software, as described on the JP1 page at Hi-Fi Remotes. See also this Wiki's own JP1 page.

JP1 programming, although awkward compared to programming more expensive remotes, can be extremely flexible. One wiki contributor, for instance, has programmed his URC-6131 to emulate a Lite-On infrared keyboard, enabling a LIRC-less MythTV configuration

Unlike some JP1 remotes, the URC-6131 lacks an infrared receiver, so it can't "learn" codes directly from another remote. Thus, to program the remote, you must have access to a sample configuration file for the emulated device, as well as to a modified URC-6131 remote. Alternatively, a learning JP1 remote can be used to capture the necessary codes, which can then be transferred to the URC-6131.

Device-Specific Comments

This remote works well with the receiver that came with my Hauppauge PVR-350, but does not appear to work with my Daewoo CTS2090 TV. It does look like this device can be programmed into the remote using this JP1 file. Unfortunately, for this remote you have to solder the pins and a EEPROM onto the remote for JP1 capability. --Malban